Newcastle University named Olympic 2012 training venue

Squads will use Cochrane Park to prepare for matches at St James' Park

Newcastle University has been named as an official training venue for the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Cochrane Park Sports Ground will serve as a dedicated football training venue between 11 July and 5 August for games taking place at St James' Park.

"This is a great honour and an exciting prospect," said University director of sport Colin Blackburn.

Warwick, Cardiff and Strathclyde are the other universities to be designated as Olympic 2012 training venues.

The other stadia included are the Millennium Stadium, Wembley, Old Trafford, Hampden Park and City of Coventry.

I know that Newcastle will give them a warm welcome and ensure that their start to the Games is as good as it can be Lord Coe

Seb Coe, who as chairman for the London 2012 Organisation Committee was involved in the selection process, said of the venue: "Newcastle University will provide excellent training facilities for athletes getting ready for the biggest sporting competition in their careers.

"It is important that they have high-quality training areas for their final preparations.

"I know that Newcastle will give them a warm welcome and ensure that their start to the Games is as good as it can be."

Councillor David Faulkner, Leader of Newcastle City Council said: "This decision further confirms Newcastle's 2012 Olympic status and a legacy that I am sure will help inspire people across the city to get involved in sport and lead a more active lifestyle."